THE Everton striker played a crucial role in Tuesday's win in Macedonia and reckons the years of experience from playing alongside and watching Kenny Miller are paying off.

STEVEN NAISMITH last night hailed Kenny Miller as the greatest Scottish striker of the past 15 years – then pleaded for the chance to take his No.9 shirt for good.

Naismith was given the chance to lead the line for Scotland in Macedonia on Tuesday night and turned in a superb performance.

The Everton man was promoted up the pecking order, replacing Leigh Griffiths, as Strachan attempts to find Miller’s long-term replacement.

Now the former Rangers striker wants to use the experience he gained from years of playing beside Miller for club and country to help him keep hold of the jersey.

Naismith said: “Kenny’s retirement has left such a big hole in attack. He is one of the best players I ever played with. He is the best striker Scotland has had in the last 10 to 15 years. His workrate and unselfishness were exemplary.

“I learned an awful lot from training and playing with him down the years. Kenny was the master of that role with Scotland but now he has stepped aside there is a place there for someone to step into and I’d like it to be me.”